How do you build an ELECTRIC CAR (VEHICLE)?

Question

I had to enroll in this technology class, because all the other possible courses were full. Therefore, I am not very familiar with design or developing a prototype vehicle, or the other steps involved.

Does anyone know how to construct an electric vehicle, or do they know a helpful site that explains the
process (including design considerations, the type of batteries and motor to use, cost, and other materials needed)?

Your help is appreciated...Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

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Electric cars are much easier to engineer and build than gas-powered vehicles. There are fewer systems to worry about.
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You need an old car, a motor, electronic controller, batteries, charger, and some cables and meters. Step-by-step:
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Basically, strip out all the gas components from a manual transmission car - engine, gas tank, radiator, muffler, etc (this may be the hardest part.)
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Mate the electric motor to the existing transaxle - you may need to buy or make a custom adapter plate.
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Mount the electronic controller near the motor, and attach the old accelerator cable to the potbox. Connect the motor to the controller, and run wires from the controller to the dashboard for instrumentation (state-of-charge meter, voltmeter, and ammeter)
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Figure out where to mount the batteries. Connect all the batteries in series, hook up the charging connector, and connect the batteries to the controller as well.
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That's all there is to an electric car!
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Some help for EV conversions can be found here:
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http://www.austinev.org/evalbum/build
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Answer 2

This is a beginning course? You may need to drop the course if you don't have the background.
Most electric car prototypes are built on the chassis of an existing lightweight small car and then the weight of the batteries requires bucking up the suspension. Most run a higher voltage DC motor that is over-driven when needed to get acceleration so the batteries need to supply more voltage than the engine rating (often 36VDC) Batteries must be built to give up power quickly - like a lead acid starter battery.
Because of the weight of the batteries, their cost, and limited power available, most of the emphasis has gone to hybrids of a gas engine running at its most efficient driving an alternator or a shared transmission with an electric motor that acts as a generator to collect braking power.

Answer 3

There's only one serious solution to this one. POW POW POWERWHEELS!!!!!